Anomalous Spectral and Yield Features of Auger Emission from Symmetric Molecules

Proton-induced sulfur $\mathrm{LMM}$ and carbon $\mathrm{KLL}$ Auger yields from S${\mathrm{F}}_6$, C${\mathrm{F}}_4$, and C${\mathrm{Cl}}_4$ gaseous targets are found to be substantially reduced from the corresponding yields observed using ${\mathrm{H}}_2$S, S${\mathrm{O}}_2$, and C${\mathrm{H}}_4$. Speculations about the observed dependence on chemical species include inelastic scattering of the Auger electron during its transit out of the molecule and double Auger emission to the continuum.